A full independent inquiry has been launched into serious and repeated failings in maternity and neonatal care at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The decision follows an “inadequate” rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which raised concerns about patient safety, leadership, and a culture that left staff too frightened to speak up. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, said he was “shocked” by the findings and described the Trust’s response as unacceptable.

For many families affected, this inquiry is a long-overdue step towards accountability and answers after years of campaigning. The hope is that the investigation may offer new information and reassurance that concerns are finally being taken seriously.

Families Seeking Answers After Preventable Losses

Several bereaved families have spoken publicly about their experiences of poor maternity care in Leeds.

In one case, Fiona and Daniel Ramm lost their baby, William, in 2020. An inquest later found that neglect contributed to his death. In another, Lauren Caulfield’s daughter Grace was stillborn in 2022 after multiple missed opportunities to intervene.

Families have repeatedly raised concerns about patterns of unsafe care, lack of learning from previous mistakes, and the emotional toll of being dismissed or ignored. The announcement of an inquiry has brought both relief and renewed sadness that it took so long to reach this point.

Focus of the Maternity Inquiry

The upcoming investigation will examine:

• How serious maternity failings were able to continue despite repeated warnings.
• Whether cultural or leadership issues within the Trust prevented improvements.
• The Trust’s handling of patient complaints and safety reports.
• How to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

Families and campaigners have called for the inquiry to be chaired by Donna Ockenden, who led the nationally recognised review into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s maternity services.

Impact on Ongoing and Future Maternity Negligence Claims

This inquiry could be significant for individuals and families pursuing or contemplating pursuing claims in respect of maternity negligence or birth injuries against the Trust.

The findings may help to:

• Expose systemic failings rather than isolated clinical errors.
• Support claims where poor communication or delays in treatment caused avoidable harm.
• Provide vital evidence around breach of duty and organisational culture.
• Increase transparency through the release of internal reports and witness accounts.

Supporting Families Through Maternity Negligence Claims

At Williamsons Solicitors, our clinical negligence team has supported many families from across the country who have been affected by poor NHS maternity care. We understand the emotional and practical challenges involved in bringing a claim, and the importance of doing so with compassion and sensitivity.

Our solicitors and paralegals can assist by:

• Reviewing maternity records in order to identify potential issues with care.
• Establishing whether substandard care contributed to harm or loss.
• Advising on time limits and next steps for making a claim.
• Offering guidance on compensation for both emotional and financial impact.

Moving Forward

The Leeds maternity inquiry represents an important moment for patient safety and accountability in the NHS. Whilst nothing can undo the heartbreak families have endured, transparency and recognition are crucial steps towards rebuilding trust and improving care for mothers and babies.

Anyone concerned about the care that they received at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, or any other NHS Trust, should seek early legal advice. Understanding your rights and accessing the right support can make all the difference.